Sexual assault survivors to Florida lawmakers: "Walk in my Shoes"

A display in the Capitol rotunda Monday hosted by Lauren's Kids and the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence features hundreds of shoes decorated by survivors of sexual assault.(Photo: Hali Tauxe/Democrat)Buy Photo

Hundreds of shoes decorated by sexual assault survivors were on display in the Capitol rotunda Monday. The display, hosted by Lauren's Kids and Florida Council Against Sexual Violence, asked lawmakers to "Walk in My Shoes."

Each shoe carried a message for the legislators, from heartbreaking stories of violence and shame to declarations of strength and bravery. A pair of small, black mary-janes bore a notecard that recalled in neat cursive handwriting the story of a young girl's abuse at the hands of an older brother.

By bringing stories like this one into the public eye, the display aims to increase awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault in Florida and end the stigma victims face when they come forward.